Direct from the UK, Shakespeare’s ultimate tragedy comes to The Broad Stage in a high-octane whirl of love and deceit, delivered with a thrilling physicality. Best known for his role on the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Joseph Marcell (King Lear) is joined onstage by a powerhouse cast directed by Bill Buckhurst for one of the deepest artistic explorations of the human condition. Produced by the brilliant and daring Shakespeare’s Globe, this King Lear will leave you breathless with its style, wit, and gusto.

Old King Lear proposes to give up his crown and divide his kingdom between his three daughters, but his rash generosity is cruelly repaid. Lear discovers too late the falsity of the values by which he has lived, and is ultimately plunged into despair and madness.

The play is set on an Elizabethan style booth stage–inspired by paintings and etchings from Shakespeare’s time when touring was prevalent, and will be performed by eight actors. There will be a Q&A with cast members following the performances on Nov. 7 & 11, moderated by Broad Stage dramaturg, Jonathan Redding.

King Lear opens at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014, at 7:30 pm and will run for thirteen performances through Nov. 16.